Crystal-clear, warm waters along Croatia's coasts ideal for stand-up paddleboarding adventures.
Experience the thrill of adventure sports across the globe as we take you on a journey to some of the world's most captivating destinations. From the vibrant waters of Belize to the picturesque shores of Cornwall, there's a world of excitement waiting for you.
Scuba Diving in Belize
The PADI Open Water qualification can be attained on the island of Ambergris Cay, with the final qualifying dive likely to be nearby on the world's second-largest barrier reef. Here, you'll find yourself swimming among turtles and spotted eagle rays. Dive Worldwide offers a week at Ramon's Village Resort starting from £1,250 per person, including air transfers from Belize City and the full PADI Open Water course.
Surfing in Cornwall
For those seeking waves, the north coast of Cornwall offers a broad beach, a lively but not too mountainous summer sea, and a well-developed infrastructure of surf schools and lifeguards. Two-hour group lessons are available from £45 per person at Watergate Bay. June, early July, and September are the best months to catch the perfect wave in Cornwall.
Wing Foiling in Dakhla, Morocco
If you're looking for something more unique, consider wing foiling. This sport, born as an offshoot of windsurfing, involves coordinating a hand-held wing with a small board underfoot. Dakhla, Morocco, is a good spot for wing foiling due to its sheltered waters, consistent cross-shore winds, and complete lack of distractions. While specific providers offering wingfoil lessons may not be listed in the search results, Dakhla's status as a prominent wingfoiling destination suggests professional instruction is available there.
Sea Kayaking in British Columbia
For a more tranquil adventure, sea kayaking in the Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago in British Columbia offers sheltered waters, wilderness camping, and a mosaic of serene, forested islands. The wildlife in this region includes orca, humpback and minke whales, dolphins, bald eagles, black bears, and sea otters. Spirit of the West Adventures offers a five-night Johnstone Strait Expedition at £1,310 per person, full board and including camping and kayaking equipment.
Paddleboarding in the Zadar Peninsula and Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Paddleboarding is a simple sport that requires concentration and the use of a paddle to stay upright. In the Zadar peninsula of Croatia, the water temperature is around 25C in summer, making it easier to learn without the fear of falling into cold water. Early September is a good time to go paddleboarding in the Zadar peninsula as the crowds have thinned out. Watergate Bay, Cornwall, is another great spot for paddleboarding lessons, followed by low-tide walks beneath towering sea cliffs.
For those seeking a more guided experience, Malik Adventures offers guided paddleboard tours of the Zadar peninsula starting from £1,138 per person B&B for six nights, including all necessary equipment but not travel to Molat. Seven nights' full board at the Lagon Energy Dakhla resort starts from £1,500 including flights and transfers and six hours of private tuition.
Requirements and Tips
Scuba diving requires some e-learning at home, followed by a couple of pool sessions and four open-water dives at the destination. Surfing's simplicity is part of its appeal, with all you need for a summer lesson being a 3mm wetsuit and a soft, fat 'foamie' surfboard. Wing foiling requires being fit, flexible, and light on your feet. Paddleboarding is most enjoyable for confident swimmers and those with some experience with canoes and kayaks. PADI's minimum age for open water divers is 10.
For those planning a trip, it's recommended to check local wingfoil schools and centers around Dakhla for direct lessons. Accommodation near Watergate Bay ranges from a £26 a-night pitch for a tent at the Watergate Bay Touring Park to the sporty and smart Watergate Bay Hotel, B&B doubles from £250 a night.
